Accommodation in Provence and the cote d’Azur ranges from some of the world’s most palatial 5-star hotels to very crowded campsites, and of course everything in between. There are hundred of small , moderately priced, independent family- run hotels. Every small town , and many tiny villages, have at least one clean, adequately comfortable hotel, or sometimes you will come across restaurants with chambres ( rooms). Standards range from the very basic to the height of elegance and luxury.Most hotels with 2 to 3 stars can charge 70 to 80 and a bit higher. You can rent a villa and prices can be steep unless you look inland. It is best to reserve an hotel room months in advance if you go during July and August. The major international hotel chains are represented in Provence and the Cote d’Azur. The big French chains, all with several hotels in the region, include:

Campanile – A popular national chain of motels with restaurant; reliable, all identical, mid-price.

Relais & Chateaux – Independently owned and top of the market, old fashioned luxury and especially those designated as ” Relais Gourmand” for the gourmet traveler, the food is always excellent. You can get a free handbook from French Government Tourist offices abroad. http://www.relaischateaux.com

Logis de France – A very good resource ; 3000 small , unpretentious, family- run independent hotels, all with a good inexpensive restaurant ( half of them specialize in regional dishes). The rooms are overall adequate and reasonably priced. Free handbook from French government tourist offices abroad or go to http://www.logisdefrance.com

Gites – they are usually cottages rented as inexpensive self-catering vacation accommodation. You can go online and book at http://www.gites-de-france.fr

Villages de vacances -( holiday villages), either for all the family or for children only, they are somewhat popular with the French. to book go to http://www.lvt-vacances.com

Chambres d’hotes – (Guest rooms), usually announced by a simple handmade sign on a front gate, are bed-and-breakfast stop-overs ( often with evening meal too), Family homes in rural areas. http://www.chambres-hotes.org